KATHMANDU, Jan 25: An overseas tour exhibition featuring Dunhuang silk paintings from China's Huayan Temple was unveiled in the Nepali capital, Kathmandu, this week.

The exhibition showcased over 30 exquisite Dunhuang silk paintings, drawing a considerable number of Nepalis visitors, including artists and painters. The event was inaugurated by Nepali Professor Dr Jagat Prasad Upadhyay, former member secretary of Nepal Academy. The exhibition includes silk paintings from various historical periods, showcasing a perfect fusion of art and history through bright colors, delicate lines, and intricate details.

The paintings were collected by Huayan Temple for many years and restored to their original state from the British Museum in the UK and the Guimet Museum in France. Huayan Temple in Chongqing was built in the Tang Dynasty. It has a history of thousands of years, and has very rich cultural heritage, being one of the most popular temples.

Dunhuang silk paintings are regarded as treasures of ancient Chinese painting art and are famous for their exquisite lines, rich colors and unique artistic style. This batch of paintings demonstrate the diversity and richness of Dunhuang murals, allowing Nepali audiences to appreciate the charm of rich Dunhuang art. From Dunhuang to Nepal, these silk paintings have witnessed the changes of thousands of years and conveyed the breadth and depth of Chinese civilization.

The appearance of Dunhuang silk paintings in Nepal is not only an international display of Chinese traditional culture, but also provides the Nepali people with an opportunity to experience Chinese traditional art up close. 

The exhibition was held under Chongqing Huayan Foreign Cultural Exchange Center. On the occasion, Dr Chen Wanqing introduced the history and story behind each silk painting to Nepali art lovers. On the occasion, Monk Dao Jian, the abbot of Huayan Temple in Chongqing, China, remarked, “Thank you to Nepali friends for loving Chinese culture. The exhibition promoted the excellent culture of the Chinese nation and also built a bridge for cultural exchanges between China and Nepal. I hope that more Nepali friends will understand and Love Dunhuang art. We will work harder to contribute to the inheritance and innovation of traditional culture.”

The exhibition was hosted by the Nepal National Tourism Administration, Chongqing Huayan Temple, and jointly organized by Beijing Assistance Huanyu Economic and Cultural Exchange Center and Chongqing Cizhou Cultural Communication. Besides Nepal, it will also go to tour exhibitions in Thailand, Singapore, Sri Lanka, South Korea, Finland, Norway and other places.